By George

Prince Andrew's Irish Geography Lesson

10.22.12 4:59 AM ET

Prince Andrew was paid a visit to the Irish Embassy in London on Wednesday night, where he was given a short lesson in geography from Irish businessman Peter Sutherland.

In his speech, the prince, who was guest of honour at a dinner promoting trade links between Ireland and the UK, talked of the improvement in relations with Ireland “across St George’s Channel”.

Ouch. As the Irish Times points out: Historically, in the days of empire, St George’s Channel was used interchangeably with “Irish Sea” or “Irish Channel” to cover all of the waters between Ireland and Britain. But here, it is understood only to cover the stretch between Wexford and Pembrokeshire, if it is used at all in the maritime world.

Replying to the prince, Sutherland joked that he was “prepared to make peace” but bridled at the use of St George’s Channel: “Perhaps, St Patrick’s Channel,” suggested the former attorney general.